Subway passengers rise after links between Tao Poon-Bang Sue stations

BANGKOK, Sept 8 (TNA) – The number of subway passengers has increased to more than 48,000 per day after the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) opened the rail service on the 1.2km missing link between its Purple Line’s Tao Poon station and Blue Line’s Bang Sue station last month. Spokesman of Transport Ministry, Jirut Wisanjit said from August 11-31, the number of passengers on weekdays rose 47.18 per cent from 33,130 to 48,760 people daily. Since the two lines were connected, the highest number was recorded on Sept 6 at 59,431 people. The spokesman said that the Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) PLC was assigned to map out measures to cater to increasing passengers particularly during rush hours such as adjusting train schedules. Moreover, the BEM has procured more 35 trains, which will be ready for operation in 2019. The MRTA extended the MRT subway’s promotional fares of the Purple Line at 14-29 baht on weekdays for MRT, MRT plus ticket holders and the flat fare at 15 baht for the whole distance on weekends until the end of this year. It also gives discounts on parking fee at the four MRT parking buildings for the Purple Line to encourage commuters to travel by electric trains. (TNA)